Well no because Smurfs and oompa loompas are fictional creatures whereas blackface has historically been used to mock people of colour and is generally considered a social taboo, even if the wearer has no intention of being derogatory.
Would it be acceptable for example if a white actor used blackface to portray MLK or Obama in a film?
Well that would not happen, would it? I like to think that a black actor would be cast in those roles, totally different scenario. My question is why is it considered a taboo to go to a fancy dress party as a black character? I could understand if he went as a slave or some other stereotypical character, but the fact is that the Harlem Globetrotters were all black, him wearing black makeup completes the image and it is in no way meant as any insult. Would you go to a Fancy dress party as the Incredible Hulk in just a pair of torn trousers?
Well no because Smurfs and oompa loompas are fictional creatures whereas blackface has historically been used to mock people of colour and is generally considered a social taboo, even if the wearer has no intention of being derogatory.
Would it be acceptable for example if a white actor used blackface to portray MLK or Obama in a film?
You mean like when Leigh Francis was Mel B or Craig David on Bo Selectra
He wore a mask as opposed to "blacking up". And I'm also aware other white comedians have worn make up in recent times to portray people of colour such as Little Britain with little if any controversy. But Matt Lucas did comment earlier this year that he regrets doing it and would never repeat it.
There isn't anything inherently wrong about choosing to dress as someone who doesn't match your ethnicity, although I'm sure there are plenty of people who would argue you should never try to impersonate a celebrity who is a different ethnicity. But specifically the context is blackface and the history of it being used to demean and humiliate an entire ethnicity. He didn't need to colour his skin to portray a Globetrotter, the outfit alone makes it pretty clear.
Well no because Smurfs and oompa loompas are fictional creatures whereas blackface has historically been used to mock people of colour and is generally considered a social taboo, even if the wearer has no intention of being derogatory.
Would it be acceptable for example if a white actor used blackface to portray MLK or Obama in a film?
Well that would not happen, would it? I like to think that a black actor would be cast in those roles, totally different scenario. My question is why is it considered a taboo to go to a fancy dress party as a black character? I could understand if he went as a slave or some other stereotypical character, but the fact is that the Harlem Globetrotters were all black, him wearing black makeup completes the image and it is in no way meant as any insult. Would you go to a Fancy dress party as the Incredible Hulk in just a pair of torn trousers?
I don't want to hijack this great thread so I will make one last observation. There is a clear distinction between the Black & White Minstrels and what Griezman did and anyone who can't see that is being very naive... and as for the Google article, just because some people have views as to why blackface is a taboo does it mean they are correct? When I saw the pic of Griezman I didn't see any form of insult or Racism, I saw a tribute to the utterly brilliant Harlem Globetrotters, the make up completed the image. I am white but I can make the distinction, if he was dressed as a B&W minstrel i could see the point because those characters lampooned black people and of course are now seen as what they were, racist and insulting.
Please stop comparing non-white people to fictional creatures.
I am making a point, not a comparison. If you went to a party as Hulk you would paint yourself green to complete the image. He painted himself black to complete the image and i am 100% sure that he did not do it to offend anyone.. that is my point.
Please stop comparing non-white people to fictional creatures.
I am making a point, not a comparison. If you went to a party as Hulk you would paint yourself green to complete the image. He painted himself black to complete the image and i am 100% sure that he did not do it to offend anyone.. that is my point.
It can be both a comparison and a point. Your point was dressing up as a black man was equivalent (ie a comparison) to dressing up as a fictional creature in terms of colouring your skin, which ignores the history of blackface and that people still find it hurtful and offensive. I'm sure he did not intend to cause offence but judging by the fact there was a backlash and he deleted the photo, clearly he did cause offence, for example:
I also saw pointed out that rather than doing blackface, if he wanted to portray a Harlem Globetrotter why didn't he even get a Harlem Globetrotter jersey?
Griezmann clearly ain't very bright. Dressing up as a Harlem Globetrotter ain't exactly something you can throw together last minute. Must've been days of planning went into it and it never occured to him that actually it might be not such a clever idea?
Well no because Smurfs and oompa loompas are fictional creatures whereas blackface has historically been used to mock people of colour and is generally considered a social taboo, even if the wearer has no intention of being derogatory.
Would it be acceptable for example if a white actor used blackface to portray MLK or Obama in a film?
Was it acceptable when Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence “whited up” for various film roles? Genuine question, not whataboutery
Well no because Smurfs and oompa loompas are fictional creatures whereas blackface has historically been used to mock people of colour and is generally considered a social taboo, even if the wearer has no intention of being derogatory.
Would it be acceptable for example if a white actor used blackface to portray MLK or Obama in a film?
How about RDJ playing a white man, playing a black man?
Or the flip - the wayans in white chicks?
I don't think a crap film absolves a century-old taboo on blackface.
Dunno who I feel worse for... the guy in the dinosaur costume or the guy who's stayed behind after his team lost to chant abuse at a guy in a dinosaur costume.
Comments
https://www.vox.com/2014/10/29/7089591/dont-get-whats-wrong-with-blackface-heres-why-its-so-offensive
There isn't anything inherently wrong about choosing to dress as someone who doesn't match your ethnicity, although I'm sure there are plenty of people who would argue you should never try to impersonate a celebrity who is a different ethnicity. But specifically the context is blackface and the history of it being used to demean and humiliate an entire ethnicity. He didn't need to colour his skin to portray a Globetrotter, the outfit alone makes it pretty clear.
When I saw the pic of Griezman I didn't see any form of insult or Racism, I saw a tribute to the utterly brilliant Harlem Globetrotters, the make up completed the image.
I am white but I can make the distinction, if he was dressed as a B&W minstrel i could see the point because those characters lampooned black people and of course are now seen as what they were, racist and insulting.
I also saw pointed out that rather than doing blackface, if he wanted to portray a Harlem Globetrotter why didn't he even get a Harlem Globetrotter jersey?
I am trying to watch the Wayans Brothers in White Chicks here and you are putting a downer on it.
Genuine question, not whataboutery